Reiki is an energy healing practice that originated in Japan in the 1920s, although it has evolved since then and, since it derives from universal life energy, it has probably always existed. It is experienced in different ways by different people, and it does not require any belief to be effective.
I practise the Holy Fire® III World Peace style of reiki developed by William Rand, who traces several lineages back to Mikao Usui Sensei. I learned reiki from Reiki Master Teacher Lorna McLean, who was trained and attuned by William Rand (as well as other teachers).
Dr Mikao Usui ‘discovered’ reiki – came into contact with it and gained the ability to channel it – after a profound spiritual experience and he began practising and teaching it a century ago. Hawayo Takata Sensei later introduced it to the West, and as a result there are many lineages all tracing back to Usui.
The Holy Fire® III World Peace style of reiki is often experienced as warmth and unconditional love, although other sensations can include physical ones such as pulsing, tingling etc. Most often, those receiving a reiki treatment report a feeling of deep relaxation and well-being.
There is peer reviewed evidence for the positive effects of reiki, although studies are often criticised for small sample size. The NHS commonly uses it in palliative care, because of the consistent reports of positive mental health outcomes and complete lack of any negative effects.
Benefits of reiki treatment often include:
- Deep relaxation
- Improved sleep quality
- Pain management/reduction
- Mental and emotional well-being
It should be noted that there is little evidence that reiki can cure diseases on its own, and it should always be viewed as a complementary therapy rather than an alternative one. This term is very true of reiki, because there is no other therapy that it is not compatible with.
Please note that I’m an Affiliate Member of the International Centre for Reiki Training (ICRT). Please see their website to find out more about my reiki training and philosophy.
Reiki practitioners generally agree to live by a series of principles, such as Dr Usui’s original reiki ideals (a version of which is below). It should be noted that these ideals are not about denying negative emotion, but about cultivating mindfulness, by focusing on honesty, gratitude and kindness in the moment – any given moment.
In addition, as a Holy Fire® practitioner I adhere to the ICRT’s ethical code. This includes adhering to central principles of confidentiality, honesty, integrity, transparency, respect, and honouring all lineages of Usui reiki, and these principles are in line with my personal code of ethics and my training in both counselling and astrology.
reiki sessions
I offer online healing sessions over zoom and soon hope to formally offer in person sessions.
online reiki healing sessions
I will send a zoom link and we connect at the arranged time. I recommend that you join from a safe and comfortable place. We will first talk a bit about your preferences, and what you would like to focus on. Through the tailored use of reiki symbols, intention and method, I can direct the reiki energy towards what you need most.
We switch cameras off and I’ll ask you to get fully comfortable and relax. I play music if that is your preference. Then, all you have to do is relax and feel the reiki energy doing its gentle work.
in-person healing sessions
I firstly prepare the physical space with energy clearing and use a reiki table (which is much like a massage bed) and offer blankets. I will ask you about any relevant information before we start and answer any questions.
I will also check whether you are okay with physical touch: in-person reiki works with hands-on or even hands-close to the body. The client is always fully clothed and I also offer a blanket for extra comfort.
Unless the client prefers otherwise, I usually play gentle reiki music, which I find aids energetic movement and release.
Please feel free to send a query using my contact page if you have any further questions.
important note: the ‘healing crisis’
By its nature Reiki cannot do any harm, either to you or another person you treat with it. Occasionally, people experience some challenging symptoms such as fatigue, headache or stomach pains. This is called a ‘healing crisis’ as symptoms of any pain that is being released are brought to the surface, and generally lasts a day or two as the energy settles.
This is more likely to be experienced during attunement (which can be as strong as several healing sessions in one), or after a series of healing sessions, people experience challenging symptoms.
Healing means ‘to make whole’, and reiki indeed often brings disconnected parts of ourselves into alignment. This process can sometimes cause discomfort, but this doesn’t detract from the lasting benefits.
I’ve experienced these myself and they are always an indicator that healing is taking place, and though they may be unpleasant in the short term, as long as one know is aware of what they are, they do not tend to be distressing.
Although it is rare, if you do experience anything like this, please know that it is an indicator of healing and that you are in a safe space to experience and express whatever you experience.
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